Cigar-banding machine



Jam 4 1927' M. MILLER:A

GIGAR BANDING MACHINE 4 Filed Oct. 24 1921 5 Sheets-Shadi` l.

Jail. 4, 1927.

l M. MILLER CIGAR BANDING MACHINE Filed not. 24`. 1921 s sheets-sheer 2 i ffl w CIGAR BANDING MACHINE Fiiea oct. 24I 1921 @QN @Q E SN Jan. 4,1927. I 1,613,046

M. MILLER v CIGAR BANDING MACHINE Filed OCt- 24 1921 5 Sheets-Sheet` 4 1,613046 Jan. 4, 1927. M MILLER CIGAR BANDING MACHINE Filed Oct. 24 1921 5 Sheets-She'et 5 @apn fie Patented Jan. 4, 1927.

UNITED STATES vPATENT OFFICE.

MYRGN MILLER, OF CHICAGO. ILLIIIOIS, A SSIGNOR OF ONE-THIRD TO BR'IRAM WM.

COLTMAN, 0F CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. f

CIGAR-BANDING MACHINE.

Application ined october 24, 1921. serial No. 509,825.

My invention relates to an improved form of banding machine particularly adapted for banding eigars,'although, of course, adapted to band similar articles, and by slight modifications, capable of banding different objects.

The machine embodying my invention ia designed to handle cigars, inherently delicate in nature, without injury, and as well to take care of cigars which vary in size. whereby an individual band is applied around each cigar. The machine is arranged for a power device, withthe cigar feeding hopperand discharge chute conveniently arranged for access by a single operator. All parts of the machine `are easily accessible for ready adjustment, or repair, when necessary.

The machine embodying the principles of my invention differs from other types of banding machines in many particulars, notably among which may be mentioned the fact that the feeding of a band to the cigar holder is obtained by movement of the cigar table, which table as a result possesses a two fold function for the purpose of eliminating needless parts and procuring a greatly simplilied structure. Various tucking and folding devices are provided to lay the ends of the band around the cigar gently, so that the cigar, when ejected from the holder, is completely bandedV without mutilation.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a banding machine adapted to `apply and fold a band around a cigar in sequence of operations, which are prefer-A ably dependent upon each other` and which are arranged to secure iny each and every movement automatic operation, so that cigars upon being fed into the feed hopper, will be taken in turn through the machine, banded andA discharged into the discharge hopper. the band being properly placed and secured around the cigar.

lt is to be recognized as an important object of my invention that the mechanism for feeding the cigar and band to the'holder operate in a straight line, or more properly in the same plane., that the cigar is held approximately in this straight line, and that what movement it has, is for advancing itself to the tnclting and folding devices, which are likewise held in the same plane. `l`his arrangement secures compactness and,

with the various parts constructed as theyv clear the path of the cigar holder, the latter moves upward slightly, causing the cigar to seat with the band properly positioned therearound. The band tucl 1mg and folding devices are then put into operation, first to lay one end of the band against the cigar,-this being known as the tucking movement,-and afterwards to lay the other end bearing the adhesive substance against the cigar-this being known as the folding movement. The simplicity of the present machine is accentuated by the fact that the receiving end of the discharge hop er removes the cigar without the aid oother devices, and the compactness accentuated by the factthat said receiving end is in close proximity to the band tucking and folding devices in order that the cigar after being bandedvwill be immediately ejected from the holder. The discharge hopper is slotted at the receiving end. The holder travels back and forth through this slot for theV purpose of permitting the'ends of the cigar, which protrude from the holder, to engage the hopper adjacent the slot whereby the hold er continues onward in its travel and the cigar remains in the hopper for movement to the discharge end.

While there are many features of novelty I shall now apprise those skilled in the i art how to construct and operate a specific embodiment of my invention by the aid of the following specification and drawings, and I shall then point out in the appended claims the novel features of the invent-ion and the scope thereof. Y

In the drawings:

Figure 1V is a side elevation of a machine embodying my invention, certain parts of the trame and cigar hopper being broken away;

Figure 2 is a lront elevation of the machine shown in Figure 1, looking from le'rt to right, but at an enlarged scale, the cigar hopper being omitted;

Figure 3 is a vertical, longitudinal section of the same.

Figur-e l is a top plan view ot the cigar feedingl table, illustrating the relative position-and alig1nnent-ol the 'feeding carriage, cigar holder and bandv magazine.

Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional vievv, illustrating the manner ot' adjusting the cigar feeding hopper to accommodate various size cigars;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary detail of the hoppeil as viewed from one side ol Figure 5;

Figure is a transverse section ot the plunger stem of the cigar holder; and j `Figure 8 is a detail atl an enlarged' scale, oli' the mechanism lor actuating said plunger stem.

The Working parts are supported by the trame 1, which may be designed and made in any ivay desirable, the disclosure herein being suggestive only ol" hovv the Working parts may be mounted. As shown, the frame comprises tivo pairs ol' legs 2 and 3, each pair being joined by the intermediate cross members 4, formed integral, and the upper cross members l5, which at the discharge end ot the machine have enlarged portions 7. These enlarged portions 7 form bearings lor a guide `frame 8, Which is in the lorm ot tivo longitudinal track members 9, one of which is separable from the l'ranie, and is provided with a gib l() to allow for adjustment. As shown in Figures 2 and 3 the taime S has the transverse croi-fs members 1l. ivhich extend from the integral track 9 to the opposite side Where they carry an integral longitudinal member that serves to receive the bolts 12, holding' the adjustable track Sl in position.

rlhe cigar :feeding mechanism comprises essentially a cigar hopper 12 and a feeding ':arriage lil, the latter ol' which has reciprocatory movement along the tracks i). The carriage ,1.3 engages the tracks S) in dove-tailed relation, but this construction is, ol cou not essential. This carriage 13 compra, a block 1l carrying prelierably, an integralV projection l5, and in these tiro members a groove 16 is cut which is adapted to receive a rack 17. At

side of the block lll, a plate 18 'is carried in ri id relation, with a plurality ot bolts 1;9 projecting therefrom' to receive and carry an adjusting element 20, which element may be provided with elongated slots to re- Y ceivethe bolts as indicated at 20 in Fig. 3. This adjusting element 2O serves an important function in the art of banding cigars in that it not only compensates for variations inthe size of cigars-both lengthwise and in diameter-but also serves as means for causing the band to be laid on the cigar at any desired point therealong. rlhc `latter feature is obtained by providing, at one side ot the element 20, a lug 21 which receives one end of the cigar in any c esired po; ltion, relative to its length.`

As has beenbeliore mentioned, feeding a band is related with feeding` a cigar to the holder 25, hat is, there is no possibility the band leerling mechanism toA leed bands to the holder unless each previous band has been disposed ol by the actuation of the cigar feeding mechanism to advance a Vcigar lo the holder 25 for affecting the application of a band therearound. In order to accomplish this, a pair of lingers 22 are carried at the `iront end olf'carriage 13, and upon these lingers a cigar is dropped 'from the hopper 12 after the completion ol each return movement. rlh'ese lingers 22-are suitably mounted on the carriage and extend upwardly, preferably partially, against the advancing lace ot the same, so that the upper portion ot this lace Vwill serve as a backing against which the cigar abuts when advanced 'lor-l wvardly. Disposed between these lingers 22 is a linger 23. which is preferably shorter in length, and near its outer endy a transverse roch shaft 2l is journaled in the dcp'ending lug fidaptef to co-operate with the tip olf linger' 23 in clamping relation is a cam' linger 2T mounted upon shalt 2l, The clzunpingl action' cam linger 2T against the linger 2? is affected by a spring 28 coiled around the shalt 2e, the spring at one end attaching to a collar 2Q on the shaft, and at the other end to lii'iger 2 7. 'llhe other end ot linger 2T, as shou'i'i in Figure 3, termia'tes into a can; 250, which as will attcrivards be explained, is adapted to engage a tripping lug to release the linger 2T trom engagement with the tip ot linger 223. in order to l'ree and lay the band being carried thoreby` upon the holder 25. )ne end ol the shalt 2e' protrudcs 'for a .short distance i'rom one side ot the traclrway S), and .is 'formed into an upwardly and then outwardly turned bend 31. A mounting plate 32 is married upon the adj ustablc track l) and is arranged to be adjustable so that the tripping linger 33, which it carries, maylrl e a properly timed engagement with the cani Ill. lhis tripping linger 32 is journaled upon a pin 3l anchored in plate 32, but .is prevented *from tree movement by 'a coil spring ln order to restrict movement of linger :3 and hold it preferably. vertical when cani V31 is brought backwards upon return movement,

Cir

a stop lug V36 is formed rigid upon finger 83 and is arranged to abut against the adjustable Vtrack 9. v'

By referring to AFigure 3, a vertical section of the cigar holder 25 Will be seen. This holder 25 is iii forni of a plunger having vertical reciprocatory motion which, of course, may be deviated from in order to meet a slight change in the arrangement of the Working parts of the machine. rthe holder 25 is provided with a socket et), i' which falls the cigar carried on the ting 22 during` the advancing nioif'einent of the cigar feeding carriage l5. Later-al entending` Wings Ll1 are torn upon the holder 25, and in the slots e2 provided in these Wings adjusting bolts e3 are deposed, which thread into corresponding i ied on the plunger head As l 7, the plunger stem 4G is preferably rectangular and recipiocates in a guide 45?' shaped into a bracket which may be mounted directly to the frame 1. The track 11:8, in which the plunger stem -lG slides, is formed by cutting -aivay one face of the guide 47., to receive the stem 46 by lateral insertion. The outside face of the stein e6 is flush with the Wall of the guide, a plate being provided and bolted thereto to prevent displacement of the stem e6. The central portion of plate 49 is cutaway to forni a slot 50, in which rides a rack 51 rigidly secured vto the stem 4G. A sector 52 is rocked in proper timed relation to the other mechanism, and engages rack 51 so as to advance holder 25 downwardly as a band is removed from the band magazine and drawn over the path of the holder by the band feeding device coinprising arm 3 and its releasable clan'uiing finger 27. ln order that the holder on the plunger a5 will positively advance upwardly, the advancing movement is assisted by the employment of a spring 55, which at one end is fastened to a projecting lug on he guide 47 and at the opposite end to a projection 57 carried at the lower end of tplunger stem e6, or if preferable, on the rack 5l. As shown in dotted lines in Figure 2, a pin 5st projects fi'oin one side of t frame 1, which pin pivotallycarries the sector 52.

rthe mechanism for actuating the sector is shown in detail iii Figure 8, and iii side elevation in Figure 2. Vlhe pon'ei' shaft tit) is carried iii transverse relation to the traine 1, with its ends suitably journaled in bearings 61 bolted to the inner side of the fore legs 2 and mounted a pulley or power Wheel pinion gear G8 ixed kto the shaft 60 is disposed adjacent to the pulley 62, which gc 63 is adapted to inesli With a. large `gear carried in fixed relation on a Counter shaft 65. The counter shaft 65 may be mounted to frame 1 in any desirable manner, as for Upon the power shaft instance, similari-ly to that of the power.- shaft GO. lt is to be. here noted that the provision of a drive shaft and a counter shaft is not essential, but that the counter shaft may become the povver shaft by mounting pulley 62 directly thereon.

rllie counter shaft 65 is adapted to carry a cam carrying element 66, Which may be in form of `a comparatively thin plate having an aperture for the reception of the counter' shaft, and also an arcuate slot ($7, in which rides an adjusting bolt G8. This bolt G8 servos to adjust a cam 69 mounted preferably against one side of the plate 66. Guided on the counter lshaft 65 is a cradle 70, which rocks the sector 52 in movement about shaft 54. rlhis cradle `70 preferably comprises a U-shape'd member 73 provided with a central slot 71, in which rides shaft 65, with a cover member 72 closing olf the slot at the top, in order to prevent the member 73 from riding oft' the shaft 65. Furthermorethe cover 72 provides a suitable connection between the cradle 70 and sector 52 in the Va crank 77, having operable connection With a link 7 8. At the opposite end, the link 78 is pivotally attached which is also connected, in eccentric relation, with a disc 79. The

` counter shaft 65, carries the disc 79, so that rotation thereof Will, through this driving mechanism, properly reciprocate the cigar feeding carriage.-

The band magazine together with the mechanism for effecting the feeding of a band will now be described. As the cigar feeding carriage 13 operates to intersect the plane, in Which the cigar holder 25 moves, at right angles and in a straight line, the finger 23 of the carriage 13 will advance beyond the holder 25 to receive a band, which preferably requires disposition of the band magazine 8() directly back of the holder and in practically the saine operating plane as the carriage 13. The particular construction of the magazine SO may be varied with- `in a Widev range, but as shown, comprises four adjustable members in form of two pair 81 and 82, respectively. The inner ends of t-liese adjustable members 81 and 82 preferably extend toward the center ofthe ina-v chine. Strips 83, of any desirable form, are suspended from the members 81 and 82.. A strap 84 riding iii the channel Way,

lut!

which the strips 83 form, is connected, betwe-en its end, to flexible members 85. Each side of the strap 84 is preferably connected' to a single flexible member 85'passing over a pulley 86 rotatably carried in lugs 87, which are integral with a side plate 88. A weight 89 is carried at the free end of each flexible member 85, which weight 89 at each side of the magazine structure will tend to raise the stack of bands slowly, as the bands are one by one removed by the lingers 223 and 27 for disposition around a cigar.

rllhe adjustable members 81 and 82 are carried upon the side plates 88, the pair 82 being adjustable laterally and the pair 81 being adjustable longitudinally as well as laterally, relative to the machine. This is accomplished by providing upon the side plates 88 outwardly formed lugs 90, upon which rests the pair 82. In this pair 82 are formed slots 91 disposed longitudinally thereof and through which lm'urled thumb bolts 92 pass for threading` into lugs 90. rlhus a lateral adjustment is provided for the members .of the pair 82, thereby allowing the space between the depending band carrying meinbers 83 to be varied, for the purpose of ac'- commodating bands having various size tips.

Likewise the members of the pair 81 are adjustable outwardly, slots 91 also being provided in longitudinal relation for the reception of the knurled thumb bolts 92. The pair 81 are also adjustable longitudinally, relative to the magazine or machine. The side plates 88 are provided with opposite elongated lugs 93 having slots 9K1 therein. Thus the members 81 may be slid along the machine in longitudinal relation to vary the distance between the band carrying strips 83 of each respective pair of members 81 and 82. This permits the use of bands of various lengths, which is quite essential as different brands of cigars require bands of individual designs and sizes.

rllo one side of the magazine 80,- the band wetting mechanism 96 is disposed. This mechanism comprises essentially a pan 97 in which" a moistening liquid is contained and fed preferably by capillary action to the adhesive tip of the band. The pan 97 is carried in adjustable relation upon a vertically adjustable frame 98 consisting of two opposite side plates 99 connected together by a strap 100. As shown, in Figure 1, the front legs 2 and 8 terminate at their upper ends in outwardly converging bracing arms 101 upon which transversely suspended carrying plates 102 are bolted. These plates terminate an equal distance from the longitudinal center of the machine in order to receive and carry in secured relation, the frame 98 by means of bolts 103. The bolts 103 are adapted to ride in slots 104 provided in the opposite plates 99, so as to provide vertical adjustment to the frame 98, the purpose of which will hereinafter be set forth.

By referring to Tfigures 1 to 3 inclusive, it will be s en that the transverse brace 100 is formed preferably with outwardly and upwardly extending integral arms 105,

which terminate into elongated portion 106v having slots 107 therein. rlhe slots 107 Vare preferably horizontal and receive, in ad` justable clamping relation, the. bolts 108, upon which are pivoted arcuate swinging arms 109. The opposite end of the arms 109 terminate immediately above the end of the band magazine carrying the adhesive tip f the band.

1n the bearings 110 formed on the arms 109 is journa-led a pin 111, upon which a nioistoning roller 112 is loosely carried in central alignment with the magazine 80. l'etwecn the arms 109 and the roller 112, the cylindrical bearings 114 of the band lift frame 115 are pivotally carried upon the pin 111. The band lift frame 115 functions to lift the top band a sufficient distance from the stack to permit the fingers 23h and 27 to cla-.nip one end of the band therebetween for withdrawing` anl feeding to the holder 25. yllhe frame 115 comprises Ythe arms 116, which lie over the magazine 80, having the enlarged portions 117 designed to carry a cross member 118 through which projects a hollow pipe 119. A suction pressure is established in this pipe, so that its lower end, or mouth, normally being directly over the top band, will pick up the top band. The manner of providing a suction pressure may be altered considerably, but I have illustrated an air cylinder 120 which is carried by a bracket 121 secured to the frame 1 by means of the bolt 122. As shown in Figure 2, the plunger stem 128 adjustably attaches to a threaded pin 12e projecting from a lug 125, which carries the projection 57, to which is secured the lower end of the spring 55. The air cylinder 120 and cigar feeding carriage 13 are so related that a suction pressure will occur in thev pipe 19 to lift a band from the stack before or as the lingers 28 and 27 pass the holder 25.

1n order to lift the top band from the stack after sucked against the mouth of the pipe 119, an arm 126 is provided, and upon this arm a freely rotatable roller 127 is carried. rlihe free end of one of the arms 22 is bent downwardly slightly, as indicated at- 128, so that when the arm advanced forwardly with carriage 18, a wedging action by the tip 128 will act to lift the roller 127. Then the roller 127 is lifted, the frame 115 will move upwardly, thereby causing the pipe 119 to lift the band held at the mouth thereof.- The frame 115 will remain in raised position until cigar feeding carriage 18 has completed its forward movement.

- tending outwardly Aby joining the side plates 88 at their inner ends. As shown in Figure 4, the bracket 131 at its upper end is provided with two ears 135 in which a bolt 136 lies. The cam 130 is designed to converge downwardly .l around bolt 136. The bolt 136 carries a co-il spring 137 arranged to hold the cam 130 upright. The cam 130 is permitted to move out of the path of lug 30 on return movement of carriage 13. This prevents the band from being freed from between the fingers 23 and 27 before the proper time.

But as soon as finger 31 engages cam 3 3, the finger 27 will swing away from the tip of finger 23 to overcome the clamping action, whereupon the band isy freed. At this stage of the operation, the holder 25 isV directly beneath the band to receive it. Thus, when the cigar drops intothe holder 25, the band will be interposed with the ends thereof eX- from the edges` 140 of holder. rlhe edge of the holder 25 on the side facing the carriage 13 is provided with forks 141 which'extend a considerable distance upwardly, so that` as the holder 25 rotates on its upward movement, the forks 141 will grab the cigar lying on the fingers 22 to prevent it from returning with the latter as they are returnedto receive another cigar.

Suspended across the holder'25 are the tuclring and folding fingers, which first lay the unmostened end of the band against the igar and then fold over the end of theband containing the adhesive substance, which-is adapted to hold the band down and around the cigar permanently. Against the frame 1 at each side, two upstanding arms 142 and 143 are secured, which, while shown as bolted to the frame, may be made integral therewith, if so' desired. The upper end of these arms terminate in bearings 146 and 146', respectively, which carry a centralshaft preferably in non-rotatable relation. Concentric upon this shaft 145, and in rocking relation, are the sleeves 147 and 148, the former extending substantially the entire length of the shaft, being short of one end to permit mounting of collar 149, and short of the opposite end to allow the shaft 14o to lie in bearing 146 alone, and to slightly protrude to carry a collar "150. Collars 149 and 156 are arranged to prevent axial displacement of shaft 145. The sleeve 148 is preferably of shorter length than sleeve 147,

.its outer end, as will be seen in Figure 2,

ending short of the corresponding end of -shaft 65.

sleeve 147 and its inner end terminating in the longitudinal'worhing center of the Inachine. A rocking folding finger is mounted at this end of the sleeve 148, comprising an arm 151 provided with a bearing `152 mounted toA rotate with sleeve 148 and" with an elongated flat portion 153, to which the folding finger 154, itself, is'pre-ferably removably attached. This removable attachment of the finger 154 at the same time provides for verticalkadjustability through the medium of slots 155 and screws 156. The tucking finger 156, which is also -roclrable, is of similar construction, having an arm 151 in adjustable relation therewith.

Y Tn order to'oscillate folding finger 154 and y tuching finger 156, rocking motion is' iinpartedxto the concentric sleeves 147 and 148 by means of vany suitable mechanism, which is related to the other' working parts, so `that these fingers will have proper timed movement. In the pi'esent'instance,tliis is secured by .provision of a cam mechanism which is related to counter shaft 65, the latter being 'a common drive for the holder 25 and the carriage 13.` Other arrangements fordriving the various working parts may,

of course, be devised without departing from the gist of theA invention.

The counter shaft 65 protrudes a short distance from the frame 1, at one side, in order to carry cam plates and 161. These cani plates are preferably disposed upon discs 162 and 163k inadjustable relation by means of slots 164, in the latter, adapted to receive bolts 165, which project from the cams 160 and 161. Thus the cams may be rotatably adjustedV about counter shaft 65. A freely rotatable roller 166 is adapted to ride the periphery of the cam 161, the roller 166 being carried upon the guide plate 167, which preferably rides by means of a slot at its lower end (not shown) upon the counter An adjustable rocking rod 168 connects with guide plate 167 at the formers lower end, while at its upper end a i'oclr arm 169 is pivotally attached. The roch arm 169 is fixed to the. sleeve 147, so that movement of the arm will rock the sleeve, and hence oscillate the tucking finger 156. A freely rotatable roller 170, similar to roller 166is carried on a guide 171 that also rides on the counter shaft 65. The rocking rod 172 adjustably attaches at one end to guide 171, and at the other end to rock arm 173 fixed upon the sleeve 148. movement o-f the rod 17 2 will impart rota.- tive movement to the sleeve 148 to oscillate the folding finger 154. It will be noted from Figure 1 that pins 174 project outwardly at Ieach side from the supporting member 142. The lower end of springs 175 attach to these pins 174. The upper ends of the springs attach to the rock arms 169 and 173, respectively, whichtends to keep the arms Rocking las pulled downwardly, and by virtue of this, the rollers 166 and 17 O will be held forcibly against their respective cams. Thus the cams and the rollers are kept in positive engagement.

The pan 97 for carrying the moistening fiuid, which was hereinbefore mentioned, is

adjustably carried by the side plates 99 of.

the frame 100. To this end, longitudinal flanges 17 5 are formed, at each lower side, upon the pan 97, having provided therein slots 17 6, which receive the bolts 177. The frame 98 being vertically adjustable, either horizontal or vertical adjustment may be given the pan 97, relative. to the band magazine 80. Vertical adjustment will bring the moistening roller 112 closer upon the cigar `band stack, while horizontal adjustment will bring the roller 178 in close Contact with inoistening roller 112. The roller may be supported in any suitable manner, so long as a portion of it will be submerged sutliciently in the liquid to feed the liquid to the moistening roller 112.

rlhe frame lying over the magazine 8O may pivotally swing about the cross shaft 111, vso that the frame comprising the arms 109 can swing about its pivotal shaft 108,

thereby allowing the magazine 8O to be conveniently accessible for filling.

i have devised a novel cigar feeding hopper 12 which is supported over the machine in'any suitable way, so that cigars will feed therefrom, preferably by gravity, through the chute 180. 'The details of this hopper are shown in Figures 5 and 6. The chute 180 is formed adjustable crosswise and lengthwise in order to accommodate various size cigars. Brackets 181 are ybolted to the sides of the frame 1, preferably being arranged in pairs so as to clamp spacers 182 therebetween. Each respective pair of brackets 181 are bolted together by means of bolts 183, which pass through the spacers 182 to hold the same in place. Immediately above the upper end of the brackets, cross members 1811 connect the spacers 182together at each side, these cross members being stampings provided with outwardly turned horizontal flanges 187, in which slots 185 and 186 are formed. Angle brackets 188 are slidable upon Vthe horizontal flanges 187, so that bolts 189 carried by the brackets will ride in the slots l185 to provide lengthwise adjustment. Slots 190 in the brackets 188 will provide crosswise adjustment thereof. The vertical legs of these brackets lie within the hopper and the opposite cross members 184. Attached to these vertical legs are vertical straps 191 comprising the frame work of the chute 180.

Likewise, brackets 191 are slidably mounted upon the horizontal flanges 187 over the slots 186,so that the bolt 192 may Yturning' or twisting.

rise therein to provide lengthwise adjustment. Crosswise adjustment is also o btained as by slots 198 in thebrackets 191.

The vertical legs of the brackets 191 carry vertical strips 191,. also, in order1 to guide the descent of the cigar through the chute. in order to compensate for variation in length lof cigars, propose the use of an adjustable plate 195 adapted to slide along I it is to be here noted that in coni'ining lthe effect-ive size of the hopper to that of the cig-ar, the cigar will `descend without ldfhen it falls upon the fingers 22, the cigar will be in a proper position to be dropped into the holder which holds the cigar so that the face of the band will be centrally placed Vupon the proper face of the cigar.

'1`he operation of the machine is as oilow:

The 'hopper 12 is kept filled iith -uiibanded cigars by the operator, and from the hopper the cigars will fee-d, by gravity, through the chiite 189 to the cigar feeding carriage It has been found preferable vto discharge onlyone cigar at a time from the hopper, as this will eliminate any possibility 'of vcigars .jamming the operating parts 'o't Vthe machine. rEhe element 2O is adjusted, relative to the height of the carriage 18, to correspond to the verticalV thickness of theV cigars being banded. Thus,

when a cigar is placed upon the `fingers 22 and the carriage again advanced forward,

iii a feeding movement, the succeeding cigar will be held at-the mouth of the hopper 180; the element 2O beiiig'of such alength that it will never advance far enough to clear thehoppers mouth. '11 'this particular stage of the operation, the holder 25 will be coinpletiiig its downward movement. ylhe sector 75 continues to rock to the left until it'has, through the medium of the rack 17. moved the carriage 13 to the limit of its forward movement. 'During the carriages forward movement, the lug 8O formed on `the vlower end of finger 27, will engage the tripping linger 180. is -linger 180 is limited -in movement in this direction, the finger 27 will be forced, against the ytension of spring 187 out'of engagement with the tip of finger 28.

Finger 28 is formed slightly shorter than fingers 22. According -to the present disice closure, one of the lingers 22 is provided with a camming tip 128, which lies directly in the path of roller 127. Y

This construction makes it possible to have the top band raised slightly from the stack in order to be in the path of the advancing fingers 23 and 27, which form a pair of gripping jaws acting under the tension of spring 137 to keep normally closed. inasmuch as the frame carries the roller 127 and also the suction pipe 119, an upward camming action impartedv to the roller 127 will raise the frame 115 about its pivot, which is shaft 111. The inner tip of the cigar band will consequently be raisedV sufficiently to meet the open lingers and 27.

VIt is to be noted that the carriage will advance forward toward the holder 25 to a distance sufficient to place the cigar being` carried thereby, over the holder. Cigar guiding elements 200 are carried by a U-shaped bracket 201, which is bolted to lugs 202, formed on the upstanding arms 142 and 143. The elements 200 are preferably L-shaped and disposed lso that the horizontal leg will just clear the cigar being fed to the holder. The vertical leg of each element 200 func tions as a stop member to prevent said cigar from being carried beyond the path of the holder. While not shown, adjustability vmight be provided'for in assembling ele' ment-s 200, so that they may be adjusted with the other parts, which require the same, to compensate for various size cigars that are banded.

TNit-h reversing of the sector 75 in rocking novement, the carriage V13 is withdrawn. Upon clearing the tripping cam 130, the spring pressed fingers 23 and 27 will close upon the tip of the band facing the same.

The opposite end of the band will rub across Y the moistened roll 112,'either to wet the adhesive material on said tip, or to be coated with an adhesive liquid, which may be kept in pan 97. Reverse movement of the carriage 13 will continue until the limit of that movement is reached. Before the same is reached, the projection 31, `which is an eX- tension of shaft 24 carrying finger 27, will cam against finger 33. The arrangement is such that finger 33 resists movement in that direction. As a result, the shaftk 24 is rocked slightly by the projection 31 endeavoring to clear finger 33; and, as a consequence, the finger 27 will be released from engagement with finger 23. This action is so timed that the band will be released as'it is directly over the path of the holder 25. The fingers 141 projectupwardly to frustrate any possibility of the cigar, just fed, to be carried with the carriage 13 in its backward movement.

As soon as the band is interposed between the upwardly advancing holder and the cigar being held thereover, sufiicient movement is given the. holder to finish its upward stroke,

in' order that the cigar will be pressed into the holder by engaging` element 200. The tips of the band will then project over the edges of the holder.

The tucking finger 156 and folding linger 154 is immediately set into action, first to lay one end of the band, and then to lay the opposite moistened end against the cigar. Thus the cigar is banded. The fingers 154 and 156 in no way damage the cigar, nor do they mutilatethe band. Vertical adjustment is provided to these lingers, so thatv when a cigar of different size is banded, the tips of the lingers may be made to clear the upper surface of the cigar at a distance necessary to properly lay the ends of the band against tie cigar. j

The discharge hopper 205 isV of novel construction. It is disposed on the frame 1 in a fashion to function not'only to discharge the banded cigars from the machine, but also to remove them from the holder 25 as it starts upon its downward movement. This is accomplished by constructing the hopper or chute 205 so that its upper or receiving end surrounds the holder 25. The chute 205 may be made integral crosswise with a slot provided at the upper end, or as shown, constructed in two sections, relative to the length. Trrespective of the construction, the ends of the banded cigar, which protrude from the holder, will engage the end of the chute 205 surrounding the holder 25. Consequently the cigar is lifted out of the holder and permitted to roll down the chute 205. It is received at the discharge end. of the chute 205 and packed in any suitable manner for the market.

do not intend to limit myself to the details disclosed and described, particularly with reference to the manner of assembling and arranging the various parts, as it is quite obvious that it is possible to obtain a cigar banding operation, as is contemplated within the scope of the present invention, by various arrangements which may constitute mere equivalency of that which is herein disclosed.

I claim:

1. In a cigar banding machine, the coinbination with cigar supporting means and a band magazine, of means having movement to place a cigar upon said supporting means and by a reverse movement thereof interpose a band betweenl the cigar and said supporting means.

2. In a cigar banding machine, the combination with cigar supporting means and a band magazine, of means for placing a cigar on said cigar supporting means and at the same time grip an. end of a band, said means having reverse movement to interpose said band between the cigar and said supporting means.

3. ln a cigar handing machine, a holder lfor receiving a cigar, a hand magazine, and means for automatically removing a hand from said magazine and placing it upon said holder, said means operating as the cigar is placed over said lioider whereby to place the hand nnen :aid holder snhstant lly simultaneously with the reception or cigar.

ln a cigar handing machine, a holder for receiving a cigar, a hand magazine, and means Yroi' placing a cigar upon said holder, said means sin'niltaneonsly co-'operating with said. magazine to remove a hand and to deliver it to said holder.

5. In a cigar handing machine, a. holder' 'for receiving a cigar, means having linear movement for feeding a cigar to said holder 7 a hand magazine, said means removing a hand 'from Vsaid magazine and Vplacing-'it npon said holder, said holder, said mea-A i and band magazinebeing mounted upon the machine in a plane common to each other.

6. In a cigar handing machine, a holder for receiving a cigar, a hand magazine. and a common feeding means for delivering a hand and a cigar to said holder, said means icing. adjustable to accommodate various size cigars.

r'. fnv a cigar handing machine, a holder l lor receiving` a cigar, a hand magazine, means in alignment with and advancing toward said holder and said magazine, said means pla-sing a cigar on saidholder upon reaching the same, part of said means advancing past said holder to remove a hand from Isaid magazine and deliver vit to the holder. Y

8, ln a cigar banding machine, a holder for receiving a cigar, a hand magazine, means having linear movementJ towardand away from said holder and hand magazine, forward movement of said means resnting 'in the feeding of .a cigarto said holder' whileV reverse movement results in the removal of av hand from said magazine to place it upon said holder.

9. Ima cigar handing machine, a holder for receiving a cigar, a hand magazine, a cigar feeding carriage having movement towards and away from said holder, and means on said cigar feeding carriage adapted to advance past said holder to remove a hand from said magazine whereupon it will he placed upon said holder.

lO. ln a cigar handing machine, a holder for receiving a cigar, va hand magazine` a cigar feeding carriage having movement toward and avay from said holder, and an arm projecting from the advancing edge of said carriage for removing a hand 'from said magazine.

ll. ln a cigar handing machine, a holder for receiving a cigar, a hand magazine, a cigar feeding carriage Y having movement toward and away trom said holder, yan arm irom the advancing end or said nd a clamping ringer tor co-operarm for removing a hand Zlli. l

receiv Ytceding carriage having nievement ward and away from said'holder, a hand '-'ceiving arm disposed 4in advance said n", c ,.11, n i ia ,time maennie, a nordei rec iY ir, a hand magazine, a cigar 'tendine carri ge having movement ,i ing Ywitn said carriage, and a spring pressed finger adapted to engage intermittently with said arm whereby the hand is clamped therebetween.

l5. ln a' cigar handing machine, a holder ior recei i "ar, a hand magazine, a ci- Y carriage having movement toward and away from said holder, a hand receiving arm disposed in advance of and moving with said carriage, ,a spring pressed linger adapted to engage with said arm,`and means for disengaging said spring pressed linger with said arm.

i6. ln a cigar handing machine, a holder for receiving a cigar, a hand magazine, a cigar 'feeding carriage having n'iovementtoward and away from said holden-'a hand receiving arm disposed in advance of said carriage, aspring pressed finger adapted to ge with said arm, and tripping mechaici. mounted on said machine for releasing aid finger 'trom said arm in timed relation wiih the movement of said carriage.v

l?. ln a cigar handing machine, a holder for receiving cigar, a hand magazine, a cieeding carriage having movement toward and away from said holder, a hand receiving arm disposed in advance of said'carriage, a spring pressed linger adapted to engage with said arm, and a tripping member mounted on said machine in front of said magazine for releasing said arm and said nger whereby a hand is received ley the latter two 'lor feeding to said holder. Y

18. In a cigar'handing` machine, a holder for r ceiving a cigar, a hand magazine, a cigar feeding carriage having movement to'- ward and away from said holder, a pair of away rom'said holder, a hand' ving arm disposed in advance of andl normally closed jaws disposed in advance of and moving with said carriage, means for holding said jaws apart during certain stages of their movement, and means for keeping said jaws in engagement with each other during the remaining stages of their movement.

19. In a cigar banding machine, a holder for receiving a cigar, a band magazine, a cigar feeding carriage having movement toward and away from said holder, a pair of normally closed spring pressed jaws adapted to be advanced by said cigar feeding carriage as the latter moves forward, means for operating said jaws after said carriage has placed a cigar in the plane of said holder, said means operating to release said jaws in order to permit them to deliver a band to the holder before said cigar is placed therein.

20. In a cigar banding machine, a holder for yreceiving a cigar, a band magazine, a cigar feeding carriage having movement toward and away from said holder, a pair of normally closed jaws adapted to be advanced by said cigar feeding carriage, means for lifting a band from said magazine in order to expose an edge thereof, said jaws operating to grip said exposed edge for delivering the band to said holder.

2l. In a cigar banding machine, a holder for receiving a cigar, a band magazine, a cigar feeding carriage having movement toward and away from said holder, a pair of normally closed jaws adapted to be advanced by said cigar feeding carriage, pneumatic means for releasing a band from said magazine in order to expose an edge thereof, and means associated with said carriage for causing said pneumatic means to lift the band whereby it is taken therefrom by said jaws.

22. In a cigar banding machine, a holder for receiving a cigar, a band magazine, a cigar feeding element having movement toward and away from said holder, band delivering means in advance of said Cigar feeding element, means for lifting a band from said magazine, a frame for carrying last said means, and an arm on said cigar feeding element, said arm being in advance of said band delivery means to cam said frame away from said magazine whereby the band is given up to said band delivery means for delivery to said holder.

23. In a cigar banding machine, a holder for receiving a cifrar, a band magazine, a cigar feeding carriage having movement toward and away from said holder, means for delivering a band to said holder, said means being advanced bypsaid carriage, a frame having a roller thereon.v said frame carrying a member for lifting a band from the magazine, a cam on said carriage, said cam Vcooperating with said roller for lifting the frame away from saidmagazine. v

2a. In a cigar banding machine, a cigar Vvholder, a band applyin holder, means for feeding a cigar to said holder, band feeding mechanism, a band applying deviceincluding fingers for laying the tips of the bands around the cigar, and a cross shaft serving as a common drive for said cigar holder and said band applying device.

25. In a cigar banding machine, a cigar holder, means for feeding a cigar to said holder, band feeding mechanism, a band applying device including fingers for laying the tips of the band around the cigar, a cross shaft,'said cigar holder and each of said fingers being operably connected with saidl cross shaft whereby they will operate in timed relation with each other.

26. In a cigar banding machine, a cigar holder,'means for feeding a cigar to said holder, band feeding mechanism, a band applying device including fingers for laying the tips of the band around the cigar, a cross shaft, means associated with said cross shaft for operating` elements carried by said cross shaft, and connections between said fingers and said elements for operating the lingers. 27. In a cigar banding machine, a cigar holder, means for feeding a cigar to said holder, mechanism for feedingV a band to the g device including fingers for laying the tips of the band around the cigar, a power shaft, and a connection between said iingers and .said shaft for effecting the initial band engaging movement of the fingers at different intervals.

28. In a cigar banding machine, a cigar holder, meansfor feeding a cigar to said holder, mechanism for feeding a band to the holder, a band applying device including tucking and folding fingers for laying the tips of' bands around the cigar, means for pivotally supporting said fingers in the path of said holder, a power shaft, cams adapted to be driven'by said shaft, and operable connections between said fingers and said shaft for imparting motion to said fingers as said holder approaches the same.

29. In a cigar banding machine, a cigar holder, means for feeding a cigar to said holder, mechanism for feeding a band to the holder, a band applying device including tuclring and folding fingers for laying the tips of the band around the cigar, a support suspended across the path of said holder, rocking elements on said support for said fingers, a power shaft, and operable connections between said rocking elements and said. power Shaft.

30. In a cigarbanding machine, a cigar holder, means for feeding aY cigar to said holder, mechanism for feeding a band to the holder, a vband apply-ing device including tucking and folding fingers for laying the tips of the band around the cigar, a support suspended across thepth of said holder, elements on said support for imparting a pivottil) al motion to said lingers, a power1 shaft, cams on said shaft, and operable connection between said elements and said cams.

31. In a cigar banding machine, a cigar holder, means for feeding a cigar to said hold-er, mechanism for feeding a band to the holder, a band applying device including ing and folding ngers for laying the tips lof the band around the cigar, fingers carried in rocking relation over said holder', a power shaft, operable connections between said fingers and said holder, said fingers being` held under tension out of operable position.

ln a cigar banding machine, a main frame, a movable cigar feeding carriage, a holder for receiving the cigar, a guide frame in which said cigar feeding carriage reciprocates, said `guide frame comprisingl a pair of longitudinal track members, one of which is separable from the frame whereby adjustment may be made to compensate for wear caused by movement of said cigar feeding carriage in this guide frame.

33. In a cigar banding machine, a main frame, a .cigar feeding carriage movable thereon, a holder for receiving` the cigar, a guide frame on said main frame, said cigar feeding carriage having linear movement in said guide frame, said guide frame comprising a pair of' longitudinal track members separated by an interconnecting arm integral with one of said track members, the other of said traclr members being separable therefrom to permit adjustment thereof in order to compensate for wear of said guide frame or said cigar feeding carriage.

34. in a .cigar banding machine, a. holder for receiving a cigar, a cigar feeding carriage for delivering the cigar to said holder, a supply hopper having' a discharge end adjacent to said cigar feeding carriage when the latter is in a position to receive a cigar, and ,an adjustable element on said cigar feeding carriage for determining the posi.- tion of the cigar when placed thereupon.

35, ln a cigar banding machine, a cigar 'feeding carriage having an advancing portion and an adjustable element carried in back of said advancing portion, said adjustable element being provided with an extending lug member adapted to engage the end of a ,cigar placed upon said advancing portion whereby the position of said ci gar upon said advancing portion may be varied at will in a crosswise direction.

3G. ln a cigar banding machine, a cigar feeding carriage, means for predetermining the position of a cigar placed thereupon, mechanism for banding said cigar, said means permitting said carriage t0 present the cigar to saidbanding mechanism whereby lthe band may be applied at any desired Point .alena the Cisen 37- 111 a ,Cigar banding mclane, a holder neiaoeo for receiving a cigar, mechanism for banding the cigar while on said holder, a cigar feeding carriage substantially in the same operating plane as said banding mechanism, and means on said carriage for positioning the cigar thereon in any of a plurality of positions crosswise whereby when the cigar is placed upon said holder the band will be accordingly positioned about the oiga 38. ln a cigar banding machine, a holder, a .cigar feeding carriage for delivering a cigar to said holder, band feeding mechanism for delivering a band to said holder, and means for predetermining the position of the band upon the cigar with respect .to the length thereof.

39. in a cigar banding machine, a holder, a. cigar feeding carriage for delivering a cigar to said holder, band feeding mechanism for delivering a band to said holder, and means for predetermining the position of the band upon the cigar with respect to the length thereof, said means being .carried by said cigar feeding carriage.

40. In a cigar banding machine, a main frame, a band magazine, mounting means for said magazine, said mounting means compriscross members adjustably fastened to said main frame, certain of said cross members being adjustable in one kdirection only while the other cross members are adjustable in two directions, the frame of said maga- Zine being suspended from said cross members whereby this frame may be adjusted to accommodate bands of different sizes.

all. In a cigar banding machine, a main frame, a supporting ledge having,` elongated slots provided therein, a band magazine` mount-ing members for said band magazine carried upon said supporting ledge, said mounting' member having elongated slots provided therein, certain of said mounting members disposed adjacent to said elongated slots in said supporting ledge whereby adjustment of these members in two directions is afforded, the other mounting memoers disposed upon said supporting ledge whereby adjustment in a single direction is afforded.

12. ln a cigar banding machine, a band-l ing mechanisn'i, a band magazine and means for feeding a band therefrom to said banding mechanism, means for supplying a liquid to one end of the band so that` it will adhere to the opposite or substantially opposite end of the band when laid thereagainst by said banding mechanism, said means comprising a horizontally adjustable liquid container having an auxiliary .moirtening roller partly submerged therein, and a. vertically adjustable frame for carry-ing said container having a moi-stening roller for contacting with said end of the band and said auxiliary roller.

In a cigar banding machine, a banding mechanism, a band magazine and means for feeding a band therefrom to said banding mechanism, means for supplying a liquid to one end of the band so that it will adhere to the opposite or substantially opposite end of the band when laid thereagainst by said banding mechanism, said means comprising a horizontally adjustable liquid container having an auxiliary moistening roller partly submerged therein, and avert-ically adjustable frame for carrying` said container having a n'ioistening roll-er for contacting with said end of the band, said moistening roller being adjustable with respect to said frame.

all. In a cigar banding machine, a banding mechanism, a band magazine and means for feeding a band therefrom to said banding mechanism, means for supplying a liquid to one end of the band so that it will adhere to the opposite or substantially vopposite end of the band when laid thereagainst by said banding mechanism, said means comprising a horizontally adjustable liquid container having an auxiliary moistening roller partly submerged therein, and a vertically adjustable frame for carrying said container having a moistening roller for contacting with said end of the band, said moistening roller being horizontally adjustable with respect to said frame.

a5. In a cigar banding machine, a banding mechanism, a band magazine and means for feeding a band therefrom to said banding mechanism, means for supplying a liquid to one end of the band so that it will adhere to the opposite or substantially opposite end of the band when laid thereagainst by said banding mechanism, said means including a moistening roller adjustable in two directions with respect to said end of the band.

46. In a cigar banding machine, a banding mechanism, a band Vmagazine and means for feeding a band therefrom to said banding mechanism, means for supplying a liquid to one end of the band so that it will adhere to the opposite or substantially opposite end of the band When laid thereagainst by said ban-ding mechanism, said means including a horizontally adjustable swinging arm having a moistening roller at one end thereof, and a vertically adjustable frame for carrying said arm whereby contact in said adjustable directions between the band and said roller may be varied.

s?. In acigar banding machine, a banding mechanism, a band magazine and means for feeding a band therefrom to said banding mechanism, means for supplying a liquid to one end of the band so that it will adhere to the opposite or substantially opposite end of the band when laid thereagainst by said banding mechanism, said means comprising a moistening roller adjustable in a longitudinal direction with respect to the band and also in a direction causing said roller to bear upon said end of the band with any desirable force, a liquid container and means for controlling the supply of liquid fed to said moistening roller.

48. In a cigar ban-ding machine, a holder for receiving a cigar, means for feeding a cigar to said holder, a band applying de-V vice including fingers for laying the tips of kthe bands around the cigar, a suspended shaft, individual concentric sleeve members on said shaft for operating said fingers, and means for operating said individual concentric sleeve members.

4:9. In a cigar banding machine, a holder for receiving a cigar, means for feeding a cigar to said holder, a band applying device including fingers vfor laying the tips of the Vbands around the cigar, partially rotatable members in suspended relation for carrying and operating said fingers, a drive shaft, and rocker arms between said partially rotatable members and said drive shaft.

50. In a cigar banding machine, a holder for receivin a cigar, a band magazine, and a common eeding means for delivering a band and a cigar to said holder.

In Witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name this 11th day of October, 1921.

MYRON MILLER. 

